Five charged with Beckham kidnap plot
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Five men were charged yesterday with conspiracy to kidnap Victoria Beckham, Scotland Yard said.
The men, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were arrested on 2 November last year in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap the wife of David Beckham, the England football captain.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "Officers from the kidnap and special investigations unit have fully investigated the allegation of a conspiracy to kidnap Victoria Beckham. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, it has been decided that they will be charged with the offence of conspiracy to kidnap Victoria Beckham."
Sources said the Beckhams, who took a series of measures to increase their personal security after being warned about the alleged kidnap attempt, had been informed of the CPS decision.
The alleged kidnap gang were arrested by police after a tip-off from a Sunday newspaper. It was claimed that a £10m ransom plot had been hatched to seize the former Spice Girl and her sons Brooklyn and Romeo as they left the family mansion in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, which has been dubbed "Beckingham Palace".
After the kidnap claims emerged, the Beckhams began using a BMW car with toughened glass, an emergency oxygen supply and tyres capable of continued use after being shot out. They also recruited more personal bodyguards.
The five men are due to appear at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court on 24 February.